President Chen Shui-bian met with a delegation of Tokyo City councilpersons at the Office of the President on April 13, and, on behalf of the 23 million Taiwanese citizens, thanked them for their long-time and firm support.
The president met these guests after he spoke at the opening ceremony of the 5th plenary meeting of the "Asian Network of Major Cities 21," an inter-metropolitan body initiated by Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara in 2000.
The current relationship between Japan and Taiwan has been the most amiable since the two countries broke off their diplomatic ties in 1972, said the president, referring to the fact that Japan has supported Taiwan to participate in the World Health Assembly, included Taiwan issues into its common strategic objectives with the United States, and granted Taiwan's tourists permanent visa-free privileges. Based on these, in their meeting the president asked the guests to urge the Japanese government to further recognize international driver's licenses issued by Taiwan.
As he was the mayor of Taipei before he was elected president and Taipei and Japan are both mega cities, the president shared with his Japanese guests his experiences in dealing with urban problems. Regarding the over-emphasis on development and efficiency that have resulted in "mono-polarization of population and resources" and urban problems like traffic congestion, pollution, and the exorbitant cost of living and land price, the president showed interest to listen more from his guests' invaluable comments.
The visit of the Tokyo City councilpersons to the Office of the President was accompanied by Taiwan's Vice Foreign Minster Francisco L.Y. Hwang. The president's Secretary-General Mark Chen was also present during the meeting.